Book review: Sealskin by Su Bristow

Ever since I was a child I've been obsessed with legends, myths and fairy tales. I remember the first time I read about selkies, mythological creatures who live as seals in the sea but shed their skins to become human on land, was in a book of myths from around the world that was gifted to me. 

I remember being so fascinated but the topic and the ability to shed your skin and become not only a whole different person but a whole different being. I would spend hours thinking about what kind of animal I would like to change into. 

As I grew older I forgotten about these intriguing creatures, therefore when I heard about this book I knew I had to get my hands on it. 

Seal Skin is the story of Donald, a fisherman who one nights finds a group of selkies dancing in the moonlight. Entranced by the women he commits a heinous act that will have repercussion not only on his life but on all the villagers around him. 

However unlike the enchanting myths of my childhood, Sealskin is a dark and somewhat uncomfortable read. That will have you thinking about its topics for a long time. 

Bristow's writing style is absolutely flawless and she does a great job of describing the fauna and flora  of the area, the harshness of the winter while creating vivid pictures in the mind. Her character development was executed superbly and I found myself feeling sorry for Donald even though I didn't want to. But my favourite thing by far was the pacing of the story, though slow she manages to keep the reader intrigued throughout the book. 

A book tinged with sadness but nothing short of perfect.